Oklahoma criminal statutes define a crime as any “… act or omission prohibited by the law which, upon conviction, is punishable by fine, imprisonment, removal from office, disqualification to hold office, or death.”
Misdemeanor vs. Felony
“Misdemeanor” and “felony” are terms used to categorize crimes by the severity of the punishment you may possibly receive. Felonies are crimes for which there are more severe penalties, while misdemeanor crimes in Tulsa are those for which less severe punishments are prescribed.
Despite the fact that the penalty for a misdemeanor is less severe than for a felony, a misdemeanor conviction can still result in serious consequences. If convicted, you may face trouble finding employment and housing, have your driver’s license suspended, and jeopardize professional certification and licensing.
In addition, if convicted you will receive penalties ranging from community service and fines to up to a year in a jail. For these reasons, a misdemeanor charge should be handled in as serious a manner as a felony charge.
What Offenses Qualify as Misdemeanor Crimes in Tulsa?
Examples of misdemeanors include:
- Battery
- Simple assault
- Shoplifting
- Prostitution
- Vandalism
- Breaking and entering
- Public intoxication
- DUI and DWI
- Marijuana possession
- Petit larceny
Wobblers Crimes in Oklahoma
Sometimes, individuals are charged with crimes that are considered “wobblers.” These are offenses that may either be charged as a felony or misdemeanor crime in Oklahoma, depending on the circumstances of the offense itself.
For instance, theft of property with a value of less than $500 will be classified a misdemeanor, while the theft of property with a value in excess of $500 can be classified a felony.
Typically, if you have little or no criminal record, or you have behaved well while on probation in the past, your attorney can submit a motion to have the court to reduce a “wobbler” felony to a misdemeanor crime in Oklahoma.
Conclusion
A misdemeanor in Oklahoma is a crime that carries up to $500 in fines, up to a year in jail, or both. Some examples of misdemeanor crimes in Tulsa include battery, simple assault, and shoplifting.
While the punishment for misdemeanors are less severe that the punishments for felonies, misdemeanor convictions still come with serious consequences. For this reason, when you are charged with misdemeanor crimes in Tulsa, you should seek the advice of an experienced Tulsa defense attorney.
Free Consultation: Tulsa Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested for one of the many misdemeanor crimes in Tulsa or any of the surrounding Oklahoma counties, it’s time to reach out to a team that knows how to handles these types of cases. That’s why you need a Tulsa Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer who can provide knowledgeable assistance in your case.
Simply call 918-256-3400 for a no-hassle, confidential consultation.
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